Quentin Tarantino Warns Not to Blame Acts of Violence on Movies

When a tragedy happens, it's only natural to seek answers. In the wake of the unthinkable events in Newtown, CT on Friday, the question of whether or not violence in movies has a negative influence on greater society has once again been raised.

Django Unchained director Quentin Tarantino answers with a resounding "no." Speaking at a junket in New York on Saturday, Tarantino that "there's violence in the world, tragedies happen," and that he is tired of having to defend his films.

The director has a reputation for excessive, stylized violence in his films. His most recent films, including Django, Inglorious Basterds, and Kill Bill, have all involved the playing-out of revenge fantasies in response to immense evil.

Defending his latest, Tarantino said, "It's a Western, give me a break," and that blame for violence should be put solely on the perpetrator. Do you think Tarantino is right? Or do depictions of violence in film and television effect our society negatively? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Calvin Candie: White cake? Dr. King Schultz: I don't go in for sweets, thank you.Calvin Candie: Are you brooding 'bout me getting the best of ya, huh?Dr. King Schultz: Actually, I was thinking of that poor devil you fed to the dogs today, D'Artagnan. And I was wondering what Dumas would make of all this.Calvin Candie: Come again?Dr. King Schultz: Alexander Dumas. He wrote "The Three Musketeers." I figured you must be an admirer. You named your slave after his novel's lead character. If Alexander Dumas had been there today, I wonder what he would have made of it?Calvin Candie: You doubt he'd approve?Dr. King Schultz: Yes. His approval would be a dubious proposition at best.Calvin Candie: Soft-hearted Frenchy?Dr. King Schultz: Alexander Dumas is black.